What are Goodwill Northern New England’s sustainability practices?

Sustainability is at the center of everything we do at Goodwill Northern New England. Our thrift stores in Maine, New Hampshire and northern Vermont divert around 50 million pounds of donated goods from landfills each year. Our diversion rate is around 80%, with the goal of reaching 100% in the coming years. Shopping at Goodwill stores contributes to a circular economy through re-use and makes a difference in our communities. 

While we recognize fast fashion is a huge problem, we know there’s more we can do. Over the years, Goodwill Northern New England implemented many eco-friendly, sustainable practices into our nonprofit’s operations. In fact, we’re a re-use leader in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. 

Goodwill Northern New England’s sustainability practices

Single-use plastic bags

Back in January 2017, we voluntarily banned single-use plastic bags from our stores. We have a recyclable paper option for customers and encourage folks to bring in their own reusable totes. 

Upgraded transportation 

Goodwill Northern New England upgraded its fleet of tractor trailers in February 2021. We did this because it improved our fuel efficiency and reduced our carbon footprint. We reduced our total annual mileage and transportation-related carbon emissions by 23% each since upgrading our fleet.

Durable and sustainable materials

In spring of 2022, we invested $1.5 million in more durable and sustainable materials to store and transport donations. This new, more durable system stacks together, like Lego, saving space and reducing waste. You can see this investment in action, if you come on a tour of our warehouse. 

Solar power 

Since 2023, 14 of our stores plus our Gorham office and warehouse began participating in community solar, meaning they switched to partially using solar power. That’s nearly 50% of our locations using solar power – which is better for the environment. Goodwill Northern New England reduced electricity usage by 30% since 2016. The switch also cut down operating expenses which allows us to do more good in our communities! We hope to find more solar farms to partner with and expand this practice to more locations. 

Partnering with others

Goodwill Northern New England works with other nonprofits, businesses and people as part of our sustainability efforts. This includes working with EcoMaine, GoGo Refill and other organizations for sustainability education initiatives. We also work with Dell Reconnect for technology recycling. Working with other sustainability-minded members of our communities ties into our mission.

We continue exploring ways to make our work greener and more sustainable. Thank you for supporting your local Goodwill. This is a team effort, and we couldn’t do it without you! 

Goodwill Northern New England is a nonprofit that invests in people who need support to achieve their work and life goals. Our programs support more than 10,000 people each year. Our stores drive sustainability through re-use, while offering good jobs and free supports to all employees. Goodwill NNE operates in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. For more information visit GoodwillNNE.org.